Mourning

Tonight we are mourning the loss of my Uncle Alton. We lost him to a heart attack this morning.

I am glad that Anya got to meet him a few months ago but I regret that she won't have the opportunity to grow up and really get to talk to him and enjoy the wonderful person that he is. Someone that I highly respected and so greatly miss right now.

Several years ago after the passing of my aunt Jo's granddaughter Audrey, a poem was on the service page and I always remembered it. It's a reminder that while we may physically leave this world our essence in the hearts of others does not go with us. We continue to be touched by our loved ones long after.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am in a thousand winds that blow,

I am the softly falling snow.

I am the gentle showers of rain,

I am the fields of ripening grain.

I am in the morning hush,

I am in the graceful rush

Of beautiful birds in circling flight,

I am the starshine of the night.

I am in the flowers that bloom,

I am in a quiet room.

I am in the birds that sing,

I am in each lovely thing.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I do not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye